Carbon fiber manufacturer Zoltek Companies Inc. (NASDAQ: ZOLT) can no longer be considered a startup, as evidenced by the company's recent decision to sell 4,000,000 shares of stock to the general public at $38.76 per share. Some of these shares originally belonged to senior management who now have the right to sell the shares and collect their due after years of nurturing the company into profitability. The stock closed Tuesday at $37.60, down $2.15, but Zoltek makes much in-demand products like carbon fibers and other technical fibers, which are essential components in various technology components. The market will very soon catch up to the sale price. Tech investors will want to take a look at Zoltek in the near future.

The company reported third quarter 2007 on Aug 6. Net sales increased 50% to $40.3 million. Operating income was up 72% to $6.7 million and net income was $5 million or $0.17 per diluted share. This is certainly an improvement over a $21 million loss in 3Q 2006.

Zoltek is turning an important corner in which income from continuing operations no longer must be plowed straight back into expanding the business. Zoltek has grown its production capacity significantly, and recently signed a five-year , $142 million contract with a Spanish firm to provide carbon fibers for wind turbine generators. The company has reduced its long-term debt significantly, but has increased its short-term debt by a similar amount. Investors who enjoy a ride now and then may find Zoltek's public stock offering of interest.